Award winners announced at Celebration of the Arts

This marks the eighth year that the Town of Orangeville has held an event to celebrate the arts and announce the recipients of arts and culture awards. Formerly known as the Mayor’s Breakfast for the Arts, the event transformed this year into an evening celebration entitled “Celebration of the Arts” which serves as a kick-off to Culture Days in the community.

Mayor Jeremy D Williams told the audience at the Town Hall and Opera House that arts and culture plays an important role, from its economic value to its creation of a healthy and vibrant community.

Several nominations were received for eight award categories, with judging completed by an experienced independent panel from outside Dufferin County.

The recipients of the 2017 awards are:

Established Artist of the Year: Leisa Way

Emerging Artist of the Year: Andrew Cleveland

Student Artist of the Year: Jessica Anderson

Arts Educator of the Year Award: Heather Holmes

Community Arts Volunteer Advocate Award: Harvey Kolodny

Community Impact by an Organization Award: HatsOnDufferin, accepted by Stephany St. Louis

Community Impact by a Business Award: Orangeville Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, accepted by John Lockyer

Master of Ceremonies Wayne Townsend congratulated all of the nominees, stating they have enhanced arts and culture in the community. Entertainment for the event was provided by the Theatre Orangeville Young Company production of Les Miserables.